Bengal govt urges private schools not to hike fee amid COVID- 19 crisis

Kolkata, Apr 8 () The West Bengal government onWednesday urged private schools to refrain from effecting anyfee hike in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak that hasadversely impacted the country's economy.

State education minister Partha Chatterjee, in a videomessage uploaded on his Facebook page on Wednesday, said thegovernment received complaints from some guardians that asection of private schools has increased fees, turning a blindeye to the present economic crisis due to the spread ofCOVID-19.

"The education department and me personally havereceived a number of complaints from guardians that a sectionof private schools has effected a steep hike in fees despitethe hardship faced by the people in this unprecedented crisis.

"I hereby urge these schools to roll back any suchdecision for the greater interest of the students," theminister said.

Chatterjee further requested all institutions,including private schools, to consider the cases of those, whoare unable to pay fee due to the present situation, "in ahumanitarian approach".

The minister made the statement in view of reportsthat many private schools have increased fees in the presentacademic session under different categories and heads, causingproblems to guardians. SUSBDC BDC